Culture and history in Guadeloupe

Explore Guadeloupe’s history and local traditions at forts, a waterfront museum, a rum distillery and a cocoa garden.

These stops connect Guadeloupe’s history with the island’s food traditions and everyday culture. Visit forts in Basse-Terre and Les Saintes, then learn about slavery, sugar cane and cacao at museums and working heritage sites.

1. Fort Delgrès

   Things to do, Basse-Terre

   This 17th-century fortress bears the name of Louis Delgrès, who led the 1802 resistance against the re-establishment of slavery. Its exhibitions cover the island’s history.

2. Fort Napoléon des Saintes

   Things to do, Terre-de-Haut

   The fort’s museum covers island life and the naval Battle of the Saintes, bringing local history into view alongside its ramparts and dry garden.

3. Distillerie Damoiseau

   Food & Drink, Le Moule

   At this working rum distillery, visitors can learn how sugar cane becomes rhum agricole. During the harvest, the crushing mills and column stills are at work.

4. La Maison du Cacao

   Food & Drink, Pointe-Noire

   This eco-museum follows cacao in Guadeloupe, from the cocoa trees and traditional processing steps to tastings that include creole hot chocolate.

5. Mémorial ACTe

   Things to do, Pointe-à-Pitre

   Built on the site of the former Darboussier sugar factory, this museum traces the history and memory of the slave trade and slavery through to contemporary Caribbean culture.